Robert Williams was born March 14, 1914, in Zachary, LA. One of nine children, life was a constant struggle. A farmhand since childhood, there were no opportunities for a formal education. Robert got the nickname "Pete" as a teenager. His first instrument was a cigar-box guitar made in 1934.

A product of his formative years, Robert Pete was a tough, often mean individual. In 1956 he was convicted of murder and sent to the Angola State Prison Farm. While doing a four-year stretch, an opportunity arose to record for a local label. This created an interest in him, and soon the Folk-Lyric label came to Angola Farm and recorded Angola Prison Blues.

In 1964 he received a full pardon and spent much of his remaining life touring Europe, Canada and the United States. Recording sparingly, he continued to work outside music until his death.

Fat Possum Records has reissued an album of material that Robert Pete recorded in Maringoin, LA in 1970. There are 11 blues that cannot be readily pigeonholed as to any one style. Rather, Williams was an interpreter of all the styles inhered. He used both the electric and acoustic guitars on these recordings. On "Got Me Way Down Here" and" Sweet Cover Shaker" he used bottleneck slide. The opening track, "Farm Blues" is an autobiographical take on his work parole stay. "Goodbye Slim Harpo" and "Tombstone Blues" both deal with ideas of death. "Freight Train Blues", "Matchbox Blues" and "Railroad Blues" echo his wandering spirit. "Rub Me Until My Love Comes Down" and "Sweet Cover Shaker" explore his use of humor and sexual imagery. Subjects not readily used in his past recordings, but to good effect.

Like his influences Lightnin' Hopkins, Lacy Collins and Blind Lemon Jefferson, Robert Pete Williams was one part poet, songster and country bluesman. His body of great blues songs have yet to be heralded with the respect due a true master. If you like your blues in the country vein, then do not ignore this one. Robert Pete Williams should have the recognition that has only been given to a few. Compared to the intense, scary blues he has written, most bluesmen should read and take heed. Buy this and continue your own blues education.
- Big Daddy Hal

October 2001 Southwest Blues